New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-11
An AMERICAN COLLECTION

The collection OF American paintings which will be
sold this evening and tomorrow at Ortgess Gallery de-
serves especial notice. both account OF Its representa-
tive character and its excellent quality These paintings
como from three four private collectors whose seec
tons have usually been crediabe, and who may may
not be gamers by substituting other examples for some
OF those in this exhibition. The appearance OF these
1873 pictures In an aucOnroom is rather indication OF
considerable proportions TO which the collecting OF
American pictures has grown. than sign Of waning In.
terest American since 10 is understood that the
contributors to this exhibition will continue collect
examples OF American art But the formation of any col
lection is series OF changes, and perhaps change from
pictures OF cabinet size to important examples.
plains this consignment TO the auctonroom. Nearly all
these pictures have been purchased at exhibitions or
sales or from the studios within very few years, and
they therefore represent men who have forward
since 1850, figure painters like Urich. Moeller Harris
Crcifelds, Curran, Birney, Kever +. c. Jones, and
Mowbray, well Older artists like Bridgman May
nard, and Bunce and such veterans Inness and
Wyant
The "historical interest" OF the usual sales
room collection is wanting here. Early examples of
Thayer, vinion, Wyant and Murphy hardly to be
Thnyer's game panel and Mr. Ninons study OF French
peasant life with their present work. Turning TO the
landscapes find no less than five by Mr. mness.
ranging from Italian scene TO two of his recent
sofness and delicacy and quality although
less positive than the Others and the Landscape No
include a" Scene on the susquehanna," painted some
twenty years ago. but st to De counted study OF much
excellence in an unpretentiops way and various speei
mems the effects and gilded foliage which the
artist recently essayed for time The largest landscape
Mr.. Bolton JOness Early Spring." suffers from the
chakness of the sky and certain dryness OF touch but
the picture conveys the characteristics OF Mr. Jones's
fayorte marsh lands with considerable faithfulness
Eight studies by the late W. Bliss Baker reappear In the
salesroom and there other landscapes by Messrs
Whittrcdge steele, Thomas Moran, c. ii. Eaton, Nc
Entee, Dewey, Blakelock, Baer and Lafarge. Nessrs
Alexander Harrison, Harry Chase and IL. T. Smith have
furnished marines, and there stillfe studies of
very different kind by Messrs W. NJ. Chase and Decker
The mention OF other pictures by the late s. r. Clifford
and Arthur Quartey and genres by Messrs lIovenden
and Delman may serve TO Indicate the scope OF coec
ton which the field more thoroughly and the
whole in satisfactory manner than which we
have recently in the auctiOnrooms. There not
many pictures which be called especially import
ant but the interest of picture does not necessarily
depend the OF the canvas or the elaboration OF
composition, and there few OF these paintings
which not be accepted as at least characteristic
examples Of the artists. IL Is interesting 10 note the
number of clever young artists who have come out
within the last years. and IL is encouraging the
increase in intelligent work. though ina naton and
individuality often less perceptbe than adrot crafts
manship. The exhibition is another sign OF the inn
proved technical education OF the artists OF the day. and
this provides substantial foundation upon which some
thing enduring may be built